The Bachelorette’s “Men Tell All” Episode May Reveal the Next Bachelor

Just one week left, Bachelorette fans. Just a few more days before we find out, once and for all, how Becca Kufrin’s season ends. (That is, for those of us who haven’t already read the spoilers.) Monday was our penultimate pit stop: the fabled “Men Tell All” episode, in which exes gather to reminisce about stale beef, explain their bad behavior, and, in some cases, ask the Bachelor/ette “where it all went wrong” in their relationship.

Becca’s dudes delivered: Jordan Kimball and David Ravitz hashed out their feud; Jean Blanc explained the moment when he told Becca he loved her, only to take it back; and Chris Randone explained his jealous meltdown. But there were some softer moments as well—and it was in those few minutes that the show quietly hinted about how this season will impact the franchise going forward.

It’s pretty clear from this week that Jason Tartick, whom Becca sent home last week, is already the top choice for next season’s Bachelor. And from the looks of things, the Buffalo native is down to play ball. If Jason says no, for whatever reason, this season offered a couple other potential picks as well—almost all of whom got their due Monday night. Here, for your perusal, are our observations and predictions.

Did you know Jason’s a great kisser? Like, really great?

Seriously, The Bachelorette really, really, really wants us all rooting for Jason—and it is admittedly pretty hard not to. Sure, he’s got some goofy hair—and a Ross Geller–like addiction to product—but these things can be fixed! Underneath all that buildup is a heart of gold—and, apparently, some chops to write home about. Jason’s snogging prowess came up multiple times on Monday night—and both Becca and Chris Harrison took great pains to emphasize that his ouster from The Bachelorette was no fault of Jason’s. In the end, Jason even came in with the ultimate good-sport move, giving Becca a hug and telling her he hoped they could be friends.

Also significant: Harrison brought up Jason’s brother, who identifies as gay—gently prompting Jason to say some kind words about him, and perhaps make up for the less-than-tolerant comments of other contestants. As Jason emphasized his support for people from all walks of life, the audience erupted in applause loud enough to make finalist Garrett Yrigoyen’s Instagram-liking thumb quiver.

The bottom line? Jason has been framed for weeks now as a plum pick for the next season of The Bachelor—and given his performance this season, he would be a good, if conventional, choice. More than anything, his season runs the risk of being a bit dull—no small concern, given that mundanity has plagued this franchise for a couple seasons now. Still, if you’re not at least rooting for Jason’s happiness, you’re probably a monster.

All hail the little grocer that could.

The Bachelorette knew what it was doing when it gave Joe Amabile that long introduction, even though he got axed on his first night at the mansion. Becca didn’t fall for this unassuming Chicagoan, but America did. The outpouring of support for the man who would soon be known as “Grocery Joe” was breathtaking—but could he ever become the next Bachelor?

As Joe noted during his sit-down with Harrison, he’s already set to star on this summer’s season of Bachelor in Paradise—which probably reduces his odds of getting a Bachelor season of his own. Aside from Nick Viall, no Bachelor has ever been chosen from the Paradise pool. Plus, as we saw during Joe’s conversation with Harrison, he might not have the easy charisma it takes to helm an entire season of his own. Still, there’s a compelling case to be made for Grocery Joe: if we’re looking to shake up the show’s usual formula, he could be a pretty good place to start.

As Grocery Joe sat among his fellow contestants Monday night, he mostly kept to himself, shying away from the limelight. He never picked any fights or trotted out a chorus to sing for him. For the most part, Grocery Joe was just happy to be there—and in a way, that carefree, guileless spirit is what this franchise needs more of. Besides, can you imagine some of the possible theme dates? I’m picturing Guy’s Grocery Games, but with far more roses and candles. Is it likely to happen? Absolutely not—but much like the produce in Joe’s grocery store, my hope will not be spoiled.

Where the hell was Clay Harbor?

Clay’s name has cropped up once or twice in discussions of who from Becca’s season might be a good pick for the next Bachelor—but on Monday night, he was nowhere to be found. What gives? Turns out, he had, in his words, “football stuff.” Clay, a tight end currently not affiliated with any team, had to leave the season early thanks to an injury—but he won some admirers with his easy charm and kind, low-key nature. As for whether he could be a Bachelor, though, this “football stuff” doesn’t bode well. Bachelor Nation is not a hobby, but a lifestyle—so for now, it seems likely that Clay’s time playing in this world is on hiatus.

Colton was totally over Tia.

Colton Underwood’s past relationship with Tia Booth was an early roadblock for him and Becca, but the two appeared to clear that hurdle. Colton eventually revealed to Becca and the world that he’s still a virgin—something his fellow contestant Jean Blanc tastelessly insulted him for during “The Men Tell All.” But as Colton and Tia head to Bachelor in Paradise together this season, it’ll be interesting to see how their relationship progresses. Like Grocery Joe, Colton’s presence on Paradise—especially his proximity to Tia—seems to reduce his chances of being the next Bachelor. Especially since, if we’re picking a Bachelor from the dudes of Paradise, there’s only one correct choice to be made.

Wills was perfect, and Becca should never have let him go—but now that she has. . .

Becca, you are a fool. Wills Reid, the self-described nerd with a flair for fashion, is pretty much as perfect a guy as anyone could hope to find in this godforsaken franchise—down-to-earth, good-looking, charming, and witty. No one on the show could come up with one negative thing to say about him. When Chris had his jealous meltdown, Wills handled the situation like a champ—and Becca’s decision to let him go will almost certainly turn out to be someone else’s gain on Bachelor in Paradise.

Does he also have a shot in hell at claiming a season of The Bachelor? After 22 seasons, we still haven’t seen a black Bachelor—and regardless of race, Wills is about as good a candidate as this show could ever hope to get. But unfortunately, the world of The Bachelor thrives on convention—and so, as much as I’d love to see Wills take the reins next season, I know in my heart of hearts it’ll almost certainly be Jason.